The Inkatha Freedom Party has disputed reports on Wednesday that party leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi's family want him to retire from politics.

"The comments reported in the Isolezwe newspaper on Wednesday reflect only the view of one family member expressed in her individual capacity," said spokeswoman Liezl van der Merwe.

The paper reported Buthelezi's daughter Phumzile Buthelezi as saying the family wanted him to resign as IFP leader to spend time with his family and his wife.

"Princess Phumzile has stated that at no stage did she suggest to the paper that she was making a statement on behalf of the family," Van der Merwe said.

She said much was left out of the article, suggesting Phumzile's comments were selectively reported.

"This is grossly irresponsible and mischievous."

Buthelezi was admitted to a hospital in Empangeni, outside Durban, with fatigue on September 9.

"He was released from hospital within a week and was ordered by his doctors not to resume his full schedule of duties immediately," Van der Merwe said.

"Buthelezi is in good health, his energy is restored and he is eager to resume his many duties with the same passion and vigour for which he is known and respected," she said.

* On September 21, Sapa issued a story headlined "Buthelezi not quitting: IFP", stating that the Inkatha Freedom Party has disputed reports that party leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi's family wanted him to retire from politics.

Buthelezi's spokeswoman, Liezl van der Merwe, has pointed out that the statement was released on behalf of the Buthelezi family, not the IFP.